How to make authentic old-Beijing style Zhajiang noodles?

Authenticating Old-Beijing Style Zhajiang Noodles

For many who are familiar with Chinese cuisine, the name “Zhajiang noodles” often invokes a delightful image of steaming bowls of noodles embracing a savory, thick, dark brown and richly flavored sauce. Despite its distinctly Chinese heritage and long-standing popularity, Zhajiang noodles remain largely unheard of outside of Chinese-speaking communities.

This article is a tribute to this beloved dish, as it is an important part of old Beijing culture and significantly reflects the unique flavors and cooking techniques of Beijing.

What Are Zhajiang Noodles?

As its name implies, Zhajiang noodles (also known as zha jiang mian) originate from Beijing, China. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been part of the Chinese culture for hundreds of years. According to records and written accounts, it is believed that the dish was first prepared and served in the late 10th century.

Zhajiang noodles is a comforting combination consisting of chewy wheat noodles and a yummy topping of Zhajiang sauce made with fermented soybean paste (also known as dou ban jiang in Chinese). 

The typical Zhajiang sauce is made with prime ingredients such as fermented soybeans or soybean paste, salted vegetables, sweet bean paste (or sweet and savory hoisin sauce), and diced vegetables such asgreen onion, carrots, and dried shiitake mushrooms. 

These ingredients are then cooked together in a wok to create a thick, dark brown and savory sauce. The sauce is then poured over cooked wheat noodles and topped with chopped scallions, diced cucumber, radish, carrots, and often with a protein such as shredded pork.

Authentic Old-Beijing Style Zhajiang Noodles

What makes the original old-Beijing version of Zhajiang noodles unique and delectable is the complexity of flavor that is achieved by using the proper combination of sauces and spices. Here is a step-by-step guide to making an authentic old-Beijing style Zhajiang noodles in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Preparing the Zhajiang sauce

The key to an authentic Zhajiang noodles is the flavorful sauce. You will need the following ingredients: dou ban jiang (Chinese fermented soybean paste), sweet bean paste (or hoisin sauce), chile oil, white vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and diced ginger.

To make the sauce, heat a medium-sized wok over medium-high heat and add some oil. Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic and diced ginger and cook for about 30 seconds. Then add in the dou ban jiang, sweet bean paste (or hoisin sauce), chile oil, white vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir constantly for about 5 minutes until you have a thick and fragrant sauce. Set aside until needed.

Step 2: Boiling the noodles

The next step is to prepare the noodles. Ideally, you should use fresh Chinese wheat noodles for the dish. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a few tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once boiling, add in the noodles and cook according to package directions. Once the noodles are done cooking, immediately strain them and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Assembling the Zhajiang Noodles

Once you have the sauce and noodles prepped, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, diced vegetables, and the Zhajiang sauce. Mix everything together until everything is nicely coated with the sauce. Topped with some chopped scallions, diced cucumber, and a protein of your choice.

And that’s it! Your homemade old-Beijing style Zhajiang noodles are ready to be served. Enjoy the unique and comforting flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine.

Conclusion

Zhajiang noodles is a traditional Chinese dish that has been part of the Chinese culture for hundreds of years. It is part of old Beijing culture and significantly reflects the unique flavors and cooking techniques of Beijing. As the world sees an increasing demand and appreciation for authentic old-Beijing style Zhajiang noodles, we hope that this article has successfully provided a comprehensive and step-by-step guide to making an authentic version of this beloved dish in your own kitchen. Enjoy!